German industry warns against 'spiral of protectionism' after U.S. tariffs

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U.S. President Donald Trump announces a presidential proclamation placing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports while surrounded by workers from the steel and aluminum industries at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 8, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis

BERLIN (Reuters) - Four German industry groups on Friday warned against a “spiral of protectionism” after U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum, urging the government and the European Union to remain committed to free trade.

The DIHK trade group, BDA employers association, BDI industry group and German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) also raised concerns about German domestic policy issues in a joint statement issued after a meeting in Munich.

“German industry is extremely concerned about the decision of the U.S. government to imposed far-reaching punitive tariffs,” the groups said in a joint statement. “To prevent a spiral of protectionism, Germany and the European Union must continue to stand up the global world trade system.”